Trial Secretary Services

ACT (Agility Course Test)

The AKC Agility Department is excited to announce the
launch of a new, beginning level agility program called
ACT (Agility Course Test). The ACT program officially
launches on March 1, 2016.

This program is designed to introduce beginning dogs and
handlers to the sport of agility. There are two classes
– ACT 1 and ACT2. Clubs and trainers can adopt the ACT
classes as the graduation exercise for their training
classes to be held at their facility thus providing
their students a familiar and comfortable setting. The
ring size requirements are small enough that ACT classes
can be held in many training facilities across the
country. In addition to preparing for these introductory
classes, exhibitors will learn to do things such as to
enter an AKC event, check-in at the ring, prepare for
their run, and handle their dog while under judgment. We
hope that clubs and trainers will use these classes as
learning experiences.

There are several elements of the ACT program that are
different from AKC Agility Trials.

Eligibility to enter: This program is for dogs that
do not have an AKC Agility title at the Novice level
or higher. Dogs may enter ACT2 without having an
ACT1 title. Dogs that are not registered/listed with
the AKC may participate and their performance will
be recorded under a temporary recording number.
Owners will receive a letter from the AKC explaining
how they can register their dogs. Application to be
listed as a Canine Partner may be accepted at the
test and submitted with the results.

Judges/Evaluators: All AKC agility judges may judge
the ACT classes. In addition we will be setting up a
system for trainers and experienced participants to
become ACT evaluators. Evaluators may judge ACT
classes. There will be an application, online test
and nominal fee to become an evaluator. More
information about becoming an ACT evaluator will be
available within the next couple of weeks.

Holding ACT events: Any AKC agility judge/ACT
evaluator may hold a stand-alone ACT event. The
event does not have to be held by an AKC licensed
club. AKC agility clubs may hold ACT events in
conjunction with their trials if they desire.

Jump Heights: No jump height card is required to
enter an ACT class. Handlers are encouraged to have
their dogs jump at the appropriate height that will
help them prepare for AKC Agility trials.

Event Applications: Clubs or judges/evaluators do
not need to file an application for ACT events;
there will be no application fee. A $5.00 per entry
recording fee for all dogs entered will be submitted
with the results.

Courses: Evaluators and judges will need to submit
their courses for review; however, courses may be
reused, which we encourage for ease of
administration.

Titles: Dogs must receive two passing scores to earn
each of the ACT titles. Dogs are required to be
fully registered/listed in order to be awarded a
title.

There will be an ACT page on the AKC website where forms
and information can be accessed. We have also set up a
mailbox for the ACT program
act@akc.org. ACT related questions can be sent to
this mailbox. Please see the regulations and other
information as it becomes available on the ACT web page
that can be accessed through the
Agility Home Page.

We are looking forward to working with clubs, trainers
and evaluators to introduce new exhibitors to the sport
of agility.